Friday, October 15, 2010

It's a chilly, soggy morning here in the Pocono Mountains, and I've yet to put the coffee cup down in order to get out of my flannel jammies. It's days like this that I am grateful to be working out of the house. :)

As I sit here at the computer doing some on line, craft show research I've stumbled across an on line craft show that I'd like to get some feed back on. Some people who blog and sell on other on line craft shows I have e mailed privately, but The big one seems to be The Never Ending On line Country Craft show. (Please click on the link).http://www.theneverendingcraftshow.com/

Does anyone have information/ opinions in regard to selling on this site? Does anyone sell on this site in addition to Etsy? If so, which one is better or are they both good sites to sell on?

Also, I'm looking to expand my list of craft shows to rent space at. Does anyone know of any GOOD craft shows in the Pennsylvania/ New Jersey area?

Thanks in advance for your input!!
Dawn from The Pip Berry Tree
www.pipberrytree.etsy.com

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

THERE HERE!!! My wrought iron slider slate holders have arrived! They come in two styles... plain and fancy. Both are sealed for protection, which will offer many years of use, and both hold slates that measure 7" in height x 9" in length.

I have some slates available now and am working my heart out to create more. Just check in from time to time, because more will be available very soon.

I also take orders for customized and personalized slates, so just visit me at The Pip Berry Tree if you are interested, and let me know what I can paint for you.

Sunday, October 10, 2010

It's a gorgeous fall day today in the Pocono Mountains, which inspired me to create a "fall season" treasury on Etsy to showcase 16 wonderfully handcrafted items by some of the talented Old Farmhouse Gathering artists. Enjoy!

Friday, October 8, 2010

Well here I am in a really cool log house with a really cool stone fireplace that has a really cool wood beam mantle which was originally from the barn on the property that burnt to ground, and I don't know how I want to spruce it up.

Of course I want it to look prim and simple, and in touch with the season, but I don't want it over done, which I have a tendency to do, so I am asking for some helpful tips and ideas from your fine people. Any takers??

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

He made it! My beautiful furry boy made it to his 13th birthday today. Woody is the apple of my eye, and because of him I've learned how to appreciate every day like it was my last. Here is his story.

Woody came to me at the ripe old age of 10. His owner was being deployed to Iraq and had taken Woody to a local "High Kill" shelter, because there was no one else to care for him. His owner was heart broken. He shouldered not only the responsibility of going off to war, but also knowing that his long time furry companion was most likely going to be put to sleep because no one wanted him due to his advanced age.

However, as luck would have it, I belong to a German Shepherd Rescue, and one of my fellow rescuers was at the shelter the day Woody was brought in. She heard his story, and saw the man saying his emotional farewell to his dog. Quickly, she sent an e mail out to the group pleading for someone to take Woody. She said, " This old boy needs an angel."

I had already had three dogs in my possession, but looking at the picture sent, and hearing his story broke my heart, so I took him. Now here we are three years and two brushes with near death later. One at the shelter that day, and last year with bloat. But Woody had made it!!

Regrettably, Woody is now plagued with Degenerative Mylepothy (where the back end dies), but we are making the best of it with medicines, supplements, a rear end sling, and a doggie wheelchair. And true to Woody's nature, he is a survivor and making the best of what is handed to him. He is my hero.

I love my furry boy wholeheartedly. Three years ago a friend said "he" needed an angel, and that may have been so, but the truth is, I'm the one who got the angel. An angel in a furry coat named Woody.

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Last week's weather was a wash out here in Pocono Mountains. Just about everyday it rained, but then Sunday rolled around, and staying true to it's name, it was a beautiful sunny day. The four pups and I seized the moment by strolling the property, even though I had to wear my mucking boots, and the dogs underbellies and legs were all covered with mud. Still, our time in the sun was much needed.

While we where in the field to the right of the house we passed what was left of our garden, most of which had seen better days. However, standing tall, and oh so bright were the sunflowers, so of which have still yet to bloom. They too, were soaking up the sun and seizing the day.

I captured this picture with my camera phone of the sunflowers, so I could post it not only here on my blog to share with you, but also to hang in my office to carry me through the long winter months that are up ahead, and through the rainy days that are now back in Northeastern Pa.

There might not be sunshine today, or for the next few days, but there sure is a lot of it in this picture. :)

Sunday, October 3, 2010

Varden Crossing is a country gift store located in the beautiful Pocono Mountains in Pennsylvaina. As you walk up to the front porch and in through the front door you take a step back in time. There are thick wood counters, time worn hardwood floors, tall, thin, old fashion windows, penny cent candies, and a huge old fashion cash register, that I can't help but think is the store's original register.

The store is owned by Glenn & Carmela Carman, who keep things running beautifully with the help of Katy the store dog. Katy gleefully greets you at the door as you come in. Walmart has there store greeters, and Varden Crossing has Katy. I personally think Katy is a much more personable greeter then those who work at Walmart. :)

There is a little bit of everything at Varden Crossing including one of a kind gift items, lovely jewelry, hand made crafts, country and primitive fabrics, greeting cards & children's toys, all are sure to be a crowd pleaser.

There are are three floors in all in the store. The main floor, and two staircase that leads up to two other floors, where you can find many more treasures and gifts, which range from vintage and antique merchandise, gently used baby clothes, hand-painted items, wood-crafts, knitted, crocheted & quilted apparel, and of course all my goodies from The Pip Berry Tree!

There is a long history to Varden Crossing. I snatched it here from The store's web site:

"Varden Crossing general store is housed in an original general store built in 1885 by brothers W.R & M.S. Shaffer. It was a full mercantile carrying items such as groceries, medicines, glassware, clothing and stovepipes. At that time the town was called Millville and since there were two other Millville's in Pennslyvania, W.R. (William) renamed the town Varden. It is believed that William named the area after Dolly Varden, the locksmith's daughter in Charles Dickens' Barnaby Rudge. W.R. was the postmaster of Varden and the store was also the site of the post office. Later, the first office of the South Canaan Telephone company was also housed in the building. The store was run by the family until 1950, when the family ceased operations.

The store remained empty until 1994 when Tim & Debi Downs purchased the property and opened Down's Country Corners. They ran the store until 2003 when the store closed again.

Glenn & Carmela Carman purchased the property in December 2007 and opened the doors to Varden Crossing on July 2, 2009."

Carmela is a terrific woman who has her eye on all things country, and her store is quite the testimony to that.

I have the privilege to sell my products there, and to gain exposure for my e store. I also have the privilege to see Katy every time I go to restock items. A visit with her is truly a treat because her furry face is so sweet, and sparkling personality lighting up the day.

If you have the time, and love all things country, and happen to be in Lake Ariel, PA please stop in and say howdy to Carmela and Katy, and tell them Dawn from The Pip Berry Tree sent you. If your not local please check out her store on line at: www.vardengstore.com

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About Me

I am a mother of five wonderful children, two of which service our country in the Army, and a Mom Mom of one lovely little boy. I have been married for 14 years to a terrific man, have three beautiful German Shepherds that I am absolutely crazy about, and volunteer for a German Shepherd rescue, and a low cost spay and neuter clinic. I live in a beautiful log home on 5 acres and am surrounded by glorious woods, rolling meadows, and peaceful lakes. It is heaven on earth here in the Pocono Mountains.